The Pipefitter position performs installation, maintenance, repair, and remodeling of both new and old piping systems and related equipment, specialties, and items involved.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. Examples of qualifying related experience include but are not limited to: installing, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on piping systems and equipment; installing, modifying, and repairing low to high pressure steam systems; maintaining water, plumbing, and sewer systems; welding; troubleshooting heating, steam generation, and vacuum systems; replacing faulty fittings or sections of pipe; interpreting blueprints and sketches; figuring pipe, joint, and valve sizes needed to support pressures of systems; and laying out/installing various kinds of piping systems. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measurement and Layout Technical Practices Troubleshooting Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Install, maintain, repair, and remodel new and old piping systems. This includes, but is not limited to, high pressure steam systems, steam and hot water radiation, pressure reducing valves, temperature regulators, flash tanks, sterilizers and other medical equipment, dish machines, plumbing systems and fixtures, water and steam distribution systems, fire sprinkler systems, and underground sprinkler systems for irrigation and sewer systems. Arc or acetylene welding. Fabricate items from steel or iron shapes or sheets. Work from blueprints to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment. Set up system routes, placing and cutting route openings, placing hangers for proper pitch and elevation, and determining and installing such things as risers, expansion joints, pumps, gauges, and pressure regulators. Determining and placing equipment at proper levels and points in the systems, and joining, sealing, and testing systems and equipment for proper pressures, leak-free joints, and operation. Clean tools, machines, and equipment. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD20131A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Also works under buildings and in crawl spaces and tunnels, between and around pipes and equipment. This requires them to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, reach, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The pipefitter frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally, the pipefitter may lift and carry items that weigh over 50 pounds. Uses heavy tools. Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, muddy, and greasy. The pipefitter is sometimes required to make installations and repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. The pipefitter is frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. Occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. Requires to wear protective equipment and clothing that are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable. Possibility of being exposed to asbestos. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.